Comment on “Gallstones, Cholecystectomy, and Kidney Cancer: Observational and Mendelian Randomization Results Based on Large Cohorts”

This well-done population-based study1 revealed an increased risk of kidney cancer in people who had gallstones and cholecystectomies, especially within 6 months of cholecystectomy. Several clinical pearls must be emphasized from this article. First and foremost, in the United States, when gallbladder disease is suspected, there is a marked increase in performing limited right upper quadrant (RUQ) ultrasound examinations instead of complete abdominal ultrasounds. The RUQ limited ultrasound examination does not include the kidneys.